Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Although physical activity (PA) is a key element in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, many with this chronic disease do not become or remain regularly active. High-quality studies establishing the importance of exercise and fitness in diabetes were lacking until recently, but it is now well established that participation in regular PA improves blood glucose control and can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, along with positively affecting lipids, blood pressure, cardiovascular events, mortality, and quality of life. Structured interventions combining PA and modest weight loss have been shown to lower type 2 diabetes risk by up to 58% in high-risk populations. Most benefits of PA on diabetes management are realized through acute and chronic improvements in insulin action, accomplished with both aerobic and resistance training. The benefits of physical training are discussed, along with recommendations for varying activities, PA-associated blood glucose management, diabetes prevention, gestational diabetes mellitus, and safe and effective practices for PA with diabetes-related complications.

Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in US Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes Mellitus: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

“…Our finding supports American Diabetes Association recommendations to increase overall physical activity, including LPA, and reduce sedentary time 5. Previous evidence from the National Health Interview Survey indicated that walking 3 to 4 h/week was associated with up to a 54% reduction in total and CVD mortality in people with diagnosed diabetes mellitus 42.…”

Physical Activity and Abnormal Blood Glucose Among Healthy Weight Adults

“…23,24 Further, targeted exercise programs have been shown to relieve symptoms and comorbidities in adults with Type 2 diabetes regardless of weight loss. 25 Therefore, it is important to examine the phenomenon of abnormal blood glucose in healthy weight individuals and to investigate the effect of physical activity on the blood glucose levels of these individuals.…”

How can clinical practices pragmatically increase physical activity for patients with type 2 diabetes? A systematic review

“…In particular, regular physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone of T2D management due to its major health benefits [10]. Observational data have linked regular PA to improved all-cause mortality, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, lower rates of breast and colon cancer, improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, and better functional outcomes in people with and without T2D [11].…”